Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Santa Clarita, CA (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Reno is 38% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$1,453/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 71%
$78,448/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↑ 53%
$498,600 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$721,000 ↑ 45%
$1,482/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 79%
268,959
Population
229,021

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,033/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $12,396/year.

Median household income is $41,478/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Reno residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Reno or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $1,033/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $41,478/year higher in Santa Clarita.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and California?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Santa Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Reno details → View Santa Clarita details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Reno and Santa Clarita

Reno vs. North Las Vegas Reno vs. Toledo Reno vs. Gilbert Reno vs. Fort Wayne Reno vs. Chula Vista Reno vs. Lubbock Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge